reviews, raves and a random assortment of book buzz

Summer Sneak Peeks Part I – Picture Books!

Today we’re sharing some of our favorite new Picture Books that will be available in your bookstores and libraries this Summer. Add them to your shopping & reading list, and be sure to come back Friday for a sneak peek at Middle Grade & YA titles too.

For the vehicle obsessed kid, this is the perfect combination between Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site and How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight. Taking you from the construction site to the farm to the monster truck arena and more, little ones will be ready to close their eyes by the time they’ve visited each truck! –Deanna

When the King’s crown goes missing, Elephant Joe and Zebra Pete decide they are the perfect knights to retrieve it. Armed with, well, armor, they ride to the Dark Knight’s castle to discover a scary (though friendly) dragon and a damsel in distress. Filled with fun twists (the Dark Knight is a she!) and punctuated by exclamations from a small Frog Prince (who does not turn into a human when kissed), kids will find this a delightful tale. –Deanna

This charming and funny picture book biography follows Julia Child from her early days growing up in Pasadena, to her life as a spy during World War 2, through her budding life as a chef and then finally her television show and legacy. Each spread is packed full of bright illustrations, short facts and clever asides. While adults may enjoy this as much or more than children, it would also be perfect for young foodies ages 5-9. The book will be out in time for her 100th year birthday celebrations and is a happy homage to her very rich life. –Erin

Our favorite NYT bestselling Dogs are back this summer and we couldn’t be more excited!

We first met Dog a couple of summers ago when he opened a bookstore and discovered the pure joy of sharing books with others. Now dog the book lover is back, and he receives a very strange book in the mail…. it’s blank! Before long, Dog is doodling and drawing himself into a new world, full of friends and surprises. With simple text and an important message of the power of art and creativity, Dog Loves Drawing is just as endearing and lovely as Dog Loves Books. -Sarah N.

This is the irresistible sequel to another New York Times bestselling picture book, How Rocket Learned to Read, and it too celebrates the importance of creativity and the writing process. Now that Rocket has learned to read, he’s decided he wants to make his own book. So, Rocket sets off on a journey where he meets new friends, discovers things he’s never seen before, and comes up with a wonderful story for his book. Inspiring and full of practical help for writing, Rocket will surely find more fans in kids (ages 4-8), teachers, and parents alike.-Sarah N.

Cecil the Pet Glacier is a unique and oddly charming story, perfect for any child or parent struggling with a new friendship and accepting differences. Ruby wants a pet, maybe a dog. However on a family trip to Norway she comes home with a pet glacier, yes a glacier. Events present us with a wide range of emotions and eventually Ruby realizes that Cecil has special qualities to offer and they do become friends. Absolutely delightful. –Kate

Never has the universal concept of parting with a beloved blanket been so touchingly and adorably presented. Small Bunny takes his blue blanket everywhere, they are never parted, so of course it need a wash. But Bunny doesn’t want it to be clean or “good as new” it’s fine just the way it is. Eventually the blanket makes it to the washing machine and Bunny sticks close by. We do get a happy ending, and Bunny and his blue blanket are reunited and off on new adventures together. –Kate

If there were a Summer Olympics for squirrels, Mario would be the gold medalist of “amazing moves”. He has so many acrobatic maneuvers like the Super Looper, Arch n’ Hiss and Upside-Down Around that even he, along with his fan base of family and friends, is dazzled by his own amazingness. Except for Isabelle, who has her own set of impressive twirls and spins and declared Mario’s moves as merely “nice”. The competition is on and in this delightful picture book by Jill McElmurry, one-upmanship is replaced by camaraderie as Mario and Isabelle learn to appreciate their individual talents and the even more spectacular flips and flops they can perform as a team. This is a laugh-out-loud family read with a positive message. –Tim

Thanks for joining us for this preview of Summer Picture Books, please share your thoughts in our comments section.